Emma Raducanu’s coaching struggles: Why past mentors left and what her new coach thinks

Emma Raducanu is betting on a fresh start with coach Vladimir Platenik. After another early exit, she hopes this partnership will reignite her game.
The British star suffered a tough loss at Indian Wells. Defeat to Moyuka Uchijima marked her sixth loss in seven matches.
Platenik nearly coached her in 2021. Now, he steps in at a critical moment. Raducanu’s history with coaches has been turbulent.
She demands a lot from her mentors. “I ask many questions,” she admitted last year. Some coaches struggled to keep up.
Platenik believes this time is different. He worked briefly with her at 17. Now, he sees a more mature player.
“The pressure is immense,” he said. Raducanu’s rapid rise made stability difficult. He once called coaching her “suicide.”
Now, he sees a better opportunity. “She’s been through the worst,” he said. Her previous coach left for health reasons.
Platenik is optimistic about their work. “I wrote to Ian,” he revealed. Raducanu’s father quickly responded with interest.
He acknowledges her past struggles. Comparing her to Kenin and Ostapenko, he understands the challenge of early success.
Dismissing doubts about motivation, he praised her professionalism. “She’s grounded,” he said. “Not arrogant like some players.”
Platenik’s contract runs until May. Whether this partnership lasts depends on results. But for now, Raducanu is hopeful.